The Virginian-Pilot
© May 29, 2008

WILLIAMSBURG, Yorktown, Monticello, Mount Vernon. Those historic sites and others are immediately recognizable to millions of Americans. But mention Virginia's historic Northern Neck region, and you're likely to draw a blank stare.

The region's charms may soon become better known. Sens. John Warner and Jim Webb recently joined a long-running legislative effort, taken up several years ago by the late Rep. Jo Ann Davis and others, to declare the peninsula between the Rappahannock and Potomac rivers a National Heritage Area.

The congressional designation is intended to draw travelers' attention to regions that played substantial roles in U.S. history. Just as importantly, the designation creates a framework for local residents and government leaders to collaborate with state and federal officials to preserve historic resources and promote tourism.

There are currently 38 National Heritage Areas. The most recent addition, part of legislation signed earlier this month by President Bush, is The Journey through Hallowed Ground NHA, a string of historic sites stretching from Gettysburg to Charlottesville.

The lesser-known Northern Neck region is deserving of the extra attention and preservation work, too. The rural, five-county area, explored by Capt. John Smith in the early 1600s, was the birthplace of three presidents, George Washington, James Madison and James Monroe.

It's also home to Stratford Hall, where the only brothers to sign the Declaration of Independence - Richard Henry and Francis Lightfoot Lee - lived and where Gen. Robert E. Lee was born.

The federal designation, by itself, cannot ensure that the region's many historic homes and rich Chesapeake Bay traditions will survive. But the special focus improves those chances, as well as the likelihood that more Americans will become familiar with the region's contributions to the nation's heritage.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Contact Information

Mark Huffman

President

MediaMax

804-456-0052

mark@northernnecktoday.com

Virginia’s Northern Neck, bordered by the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers and Chesapeake Bay, has increasingly drawn retirees who enjoy the peaceful setting and hassle-free lifestyle. Now, the Northern Neck Tourism Council is making it easier for people contemplating retirement to take a first hand look.

The council is sponsoring its first “Northern Neck Pre-Retirement Tour” May 17, 2008, in conjunction with the Fourth Annual Kilmarnock Crab Festival.

“Folks who are thinking about where they want to live when they retire will have the opportunity to see what we have to offer that weekend,” said NNTC President George Beckett.

Beckett said the “tour” is self-guided, but Council volunteers will provide information, literature about the area, and answer questions. Visitors will then set out to visit the region’s museums, farmers’ markets, wineries and other attractions.

“We chose to hold our first tour during the Crab Festival because it’s a great introduction to the culture of the Northern Neck,” Beckett said.

The Crab Festival, initiated by Kilmarnock businessman Shawn Donahue, celebrates the local watermen’s culture. It features crafts, art exhibits, food and entertainment.

“This year we have added lots of live entertainment, so it should be bigger and better than ever,” Donahue said.

The festival begins Friday evening, May 16 and resumes Saturday May 17 for a full day of activities.

“On Saturday, our volunteers will be set up in the festival’s Welcome Center,” Beckett said. “We invite people to drop by and pick up a map, our Tourism Guide, and a suggested itinerary of things to do.”

“Both the Crab Festival and the Pre-Retirement Tour are great ways to meet the other people who live here, and decide whether you might one day also want to make the Northern Neck your home,” Donahue added.

The Northern Neck is made up of four rural counties, but is as close as an hour away from Richmond, Virginia and as close as 90 minutes from Washington, DC.

Northern Neck Real Estate is prime property, especially Northern Neck waterfront property.

Prices have lowered and there are some good deals on waterfront homes and waterfront lots.

If you have not created an account to search the Northern Neck Multiple Listings then please do so. 

You might find that perfect retirement home or second property. Start by clicking HERE 

Virginia bay town turns away payday lender

By the Associated Press

March 18, 2008

KILMARNOCK, Va. - There's no welcome mat for payday lenders in the town of Kilmarnock.

The town council voted down a request Monday night to allow payday-lending company Advance America to open an office in the Northern Neck community.

The council voted after a short public hearing at which ministers, business owners and social advocates spoke against allowing cash-advance businesses in commercial zones.

The district manager for Advance America–which runs a cash advance business in nearby Warsaw–said the company wanted to open an office in Kilmarnock to meet local demand.

Virginia's General Assembly this session passed legislation capping the fees and interest rates that payday lenders can charge.

Easter weekend was cool here in the Northern Neck. The days before we had tempertures in the 70's but late Saturday night a front came through and bought the cooler tempertures.

Trees have started to bloom as well as some flowers. The water temperature has warmed so it won't be long before crabs start to run and the fish start biting.

Take a weekend and ride down to experience the beauty property owners have here in the Northern Neck and if you like what you see then give me a call and we'll see if we can't find you that perfect piece of Northern Neck Real Estate.

Waterfront property in the Northern Neck is priced better than it has been in in years.

There are some exceptional prices out there if you compare them to the last 3 years.

Waterfront lots seem to be the best price of the the different catergories.

It looks like if you look at what people are asking for a waterfront home in the Northern Neck and you price it on X number of dollars per square foot and then add the price of what lots are selling for then I think the homes are a little high.

Keep search the Northern Neck MLS and give me a call.